Government regulations of medical marijuana vary between state and federal laws. While medical marijuana has known medical uses dating back thousands of years, it remains illegal at the federal level. California was the first state to pass a law legalizing medical marijuana through compassionate use acts and cannabis buyers clubs. The Supreme Court ruled that the federal government can still prosecute individuals for medical marijuana use and distribution even in states where it is legal. Currently 14 states have laws legalizing medical marijuana to varying degrees, but users are not guaranteed legal protection from federal prosecution. The conflict between state and federal laws around medical marijuana requires resolution.